The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa A. Rishabh Pant, returning from a long-term injury, has been appointed captain for both matches, with Tamil Nadu youngster Sai Sudharsan named vice-captain. The series will be held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru from late October to early November.
The first match, scheduled from October 30 to November 2, features young talents such as Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, N Jagadeesan, Ayush Matre, and Ayush Badoni. All-rounders Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, and Manav Sutar, along with pacers Anshul Kamboj and Yash Thakur, complete the squad.
🚨 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 🚨
BCCI has announced the India A squad for the four-day matches against South Africa A, starting on 30th October! 🇮🇳🏏
Rishabh Pant will lead the side in both games. 🤝#RishabhPant #IndiaA #Cricket #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/NBF1hX9VfY
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) October 21, 2025
The second match, from November 6 to November 9, includes a mix of senior and emerging players, including KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Dhruv Jurel. Fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akashdeep, Khalil Ahmad, and Gurnoor Brar join after the recent ODI series against Australia, providing valuable experience to the squad.
The series offers young players an opportunity to impress selectors and secure a place in the national team. It also serves as crucial match practice for senior players ahead of the main South Africa tour, which will feature two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is in India.
First Match Squad:
Captain: Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
Vice-Captain: Sai Sudharsan
Batters: Ayush Matre, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Ayush Badoni
Wicketkeeper: N Jagadeesan
All-rounders/Spinners: Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Sutar, Saransh Jain
Pacers: Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur
Second Match Squad:
Captain: Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
Vice-Captain: Sai Sudharsan
Batters: KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Abhimanyu Easwaran
Wicketkeeper: Dhruv Jurel
All-rounders/Spinners: Harsh Dubey, Tanush Kotian, Manav Sutar
Pacers: Khalil Ahmad, Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Akashdeep